Alaska Sockeye Salmon Fishing

Alaska sockeye are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish that swim in Alaska, and that’s the case in the Situk River. Otherwise known as red salmon, these fish show up in strong numbers, are very sporting on the line, and produce deep red, delicious fillets prized by many anglers. Our guides are expert at catching these salmon, which unlike the other four species of Pacific salmon, are often reluctant to strike a fly or lure. We’ll show you how to hook these salmon, and you’ll be amazed at how hard they fight and equally amazed at how well they eat. 

SOCKEYE – LATE JUNE & JULY

FLY FISHING:  When targeting Alaska sockeye, bring a 7- to 8-weight, 9- to 10-foot rod and matching reel with ample drag spooled with 100 yards of backing. Anglers employ either a floating line or an intermediate sinking line. Choose leader materials in the 12- to 15-pound-test range. There are a myriad of ways to catch sockeye. For flies check your local fly shop for Hotshots, Crazy Charlies or Russian River flies. You can also bottom drift using nothing more than a red #1 to #4 Octopus hook, a bit of high-visibility yarn, and enough weight to get you on the bottom. Sockeye are historically finicky biters and can be difficult to get on the hook, but when you do—HOLD ON! 

SPIN FISHING:  An 8- to 12-pound, medium-action, 8- to 9-foot rod with a 2500 to 3500 series reel spooled with 30-pound-test braided main line and 12- to 15-pound-test monofilament leader, is the setup needed to spin fish for red salmon. A #1 to #4 Octopus hook with an egg loop and some brightly colored yarn, split shot and a steady drift will get the job done for Alaska sockeye!